You mention that the brick battleship Illinois was manned by seanmen wearing “old-time uniforms.” If the ship was a replica of a naval vessel contemporary with the Columbian Exposition, wouldn’t the uniforms have been similarly contemporary? Or do you mean that the uniforms would be “old-time” today if the brick ship had survived and was still manned, as the USF* Constitution *is manned bysailors wearing really outdated uniforms?
You’re referring to this column. A link is always appreciated.
The uniforms worn by the crew reflected styles in use from 1775 to 1848.